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5 Reasons Why You Need to Be Getting Musically Lost in MNEK

Now that we’re at the ‘5 Reasons Why’ week mid-point, the music truth is about to get real, kids. You all know by now that Philly Mixtape loves to live the UK music artist life, and today’s overseas crooner is certainly one talent that will absolutely have you living for music love. In the spotlight today is 22-year- old singer/songwriter/producer/winner MNEK, who has been making all sorts of waves with his buffet of numerous talents. As always, Philly Mixtape throws down quite a lovely and convincing music case, but before we get down to Elle Woods music business, get to know this crazy good music artist a little bit…

Just to get you guys up to music speed, MNEK (real name-Uzoechi Osisioma Emenike) was born to Nigerian parents in the south London district of Lewisham. By the time he was just 18, he had been werkin’ it hard, creating ’80s and ’90s soul-inspired pop, although he flew under the music radar for quite a bit. Recognition of his songwriting talents were finally seen in 2009, after a sweet deal with EMI Publishing. His debut solo single, “If Truth Be Told,” was released two years later, and during that time, Xenomania songwriting productions recruited him for his penmanship for The Saturdays’ track “All Fired Up.” Not only did the single hit the Top Ten in the U.K., but a MNEK-penned lyric from the track went on to inspire the title of the British-Irish girl group’s third studio album, ‘On Your Radar.’ By the time the record hit, , MNEK was on everybody’s music radar all over the globe…except for here, and that’s why we’re here today. Philly Mixtape has been getting all sorts of lost in the music of MNEK for a bit now, so it’s about damn time you should, too. Let these ‘5 Reasons Why’ convince you…as they most certainly will. Ready..set..MNEK.

1.THAT voice…..

The most obvious reason to get lost in all things MNEK is that this boy can sing…for his life. The best part of it all is that his incredible voice can glide on a club groove, a piano laced ballad or a feisty pop number to perfection. All of these elements truly only begin to showcase just how mega-talented MNEK is, and if you’re looking for a voice that will lift you up, yet soothe you out at the same time, than his music is just what you need in your life. But, don’t take Philly Mixtape’s word for it, get lost in his scorching sonnet, “Suddenly,’ and prepare to get lifted to the highest music heavens…

2. He’s musically destroying it when it comes to songwriting and producing…

As if his angelic voice isn’t enough to convince you, Mr. MNEK has been making gigantic waves over the years working with a whole feast of overseas music talent, producing hit-after-hit single. Since 2008, he’s written and produced tunes for Duke Dumont, Kylie Minogue, Little Mix, Laura Welsh and many, many more. In fact, the Brit crooner also co-wrote one of Philly Mixtape’s favorite songs from last year, the slice of delicious deep house dish that is “Say Something,” by fabulously underrated UK dance diva, Karen Harding. While yes, it’s a fun, catchy dance ditty, it will hit that spot with its perfect production and lavish lyrics. Get lost in “Say Something” below…..because you will.

3……and he’s recorded and written for Madonna…

Yes, the Brit belter has also written for the one-and-only Material Gurl herself, having written and sung back up vocals on her ‘Rebel Heart’ dance hit, “Living For Love.” Leave alone the fact that he’s written…for…Madonna, but keep in mind that he’s just 22- years- old. Most producers and writers wait a whole music lifetime (or don’t get the chance to at all…because you know, her.), to work with the one-and-only Queen of Pop, so to achieve such a feat at a young age, that’s truly, um, saying something…..

4.His ‘Small Talk’ E.P. is breathtakingly bold and beautiful…

You know the phrase “good things come in small packages?” Well, that holds true and then some when it comes to MNEK’s eclectic E.P, ‘Small Talk.’ Short, sweet and full of life, child, ‘Small’ is one part love, one part life and all parts equal talent soaring on every single one of the six tracks. Whether it’s on the slinky bedroom grooves, “The Rhythm” and “In Your Clouds,” the lavish, “Suddenly,” or the disco-kissed, “Wrote A Song About You” and “Every Little Word,” MNEK’s voice just fits like a music glove on each sweet piece of every beat. But, if there’s one track that soars above the rest, it’s opener, “More Than A Welcome,” which, in a word, will just bump that trunk, honey…

5.This….

Yes, you’re thinking ‘White Chicks,’ but no steering wheel finger jamming here, just a protein filled helping of music truth. Mr. MNEK took Vanessa Carlton’s ’01 hit, “A Thousand Miles,” flipped it, reversed it and added a seasoning of the classic B-52’s ’80s banger, “Love Shack.” The result? One of the best tracks of the year is waiting for you to press play on….go.

6.If that’s not enough to convince you, his ferocious track with Gorgon City called, “Ready For Your Love,” should absolutely do the trick…